Welcome, darlings, to #TutuTuesday, Post Number 2528 on www.pink-tutu.com! I'm your ever-so-pink, ever-so-tutu-obsessed time-travelling blogger, Emma, coming to you live (well, virtually live) from the glamorous world of 1880s Paris. Isn't it simply divine? All the fashion, all the excitement, all the ballet! Oh, my dears, I simply cannot get enough of it!
This week, my adventures have taken me to the hallowed halls of the OpƩra Garnier, the most exquisite building I've ever set foot in (and trust me, I've been to quite a few!) Everything is absolutely magnificent - the ornate carvings, the opulent velvet seats, the glorious chandeliers - but the true star of the show is the ballet itself.
Now, while we are not exactly seeing those perfectly sculpted, frilly, layered tutus we associate with ballerinas today, thereās something truly magical about the dancing. This period marks a moment in time when ballet was shifting and changing, with choreographers experimenting with different styles. Imagine, if you will, delicate tulle skirts in the shape of bellflowers being tossed about the stage, making delicate flutters in the light of the lamps - it is like a delicate symphony of movement and fabric!
Let's delve deeper into the ballet world of 1880.
Today, June 8th, marks a special date in ballet history. On this very day, the brilliant Russian ballerina Marie Taglioni received a hero's welcome when she returned to the OpƩra Garnier. It was quite the scene, with audiences completely captivated by her "fluttery" dancing style that, if I am quite honest, is what gives us the beautiful fluffy skirts and frills that have evolved to the wonderful tutus of today!
Did you know that even back then, a love of tutudom existed? You would have been utterly thrilled by Marie Taglioniās delicate white skirt! The crowd at the Garnier tonight is full of elegant ladies sporting beautifully crafted hats that would rival even the most intricate tulle ruffles on the fanciest tutu. And while there are certainly many "different shades" of fashionable "flamboyance" today, the spirit of feminine elegance and beauty runs deep!
Now, the biggest challenge when traveling back in time is navigating the whole "fashion" department. You might laugh, darlings, but you wouldn't believe how different the clothing and fabrics were just 100 years ago. Let's be honest, it would be very easy for someone like me to look entirely out of place! You simply must plan your look carefully, to fit right into the time period. Luckily, thanks to my lovely grandmothersā antique shops, I have access to lots of beautiful lace, ribbon and silk, and all kinds of fun accessories from those times! It's enough to set any modern-day fashionistaās heart racing, darlings, especially when you factor in that weāve still got more than a hundred years to go before Chanel or Dior create their iconic, elegant looks!
So what to do about those "look" worries? I've devised a rather effective way to time-travel dress: take something modern, add something vintage and be confident! That way, you can create a charming blend thatās not too futuristic. For example, today I have paired a modern tulle tutu in my signature pink with a beautifully embroidered Victorian silk jacket, some lovely velvet gloves and my most charming antique hat, a masterpiece adorned with delicate plumes and perfectly coordinated ribbon.
Now, while you might have to dig deep into your grandmother's attic, my darling, you are simply bound to find amazing gems there. It's all about pairing the old and new, to create something effortlessly charming. Imagine how you would look at the Garnier! We will never know when a time portal might appear right behind a velvet theatre curtain, but you will be so very ready!
It is almost impossible to describe how enthralling it is to witness these amazing shows. I think it is important to remind each other to remember how fashion and our ballet costumes evolve! They don't just appear suddenly. There are so many threads of fashion woven into what we wear, into our world of ballet and tutus. You may ask: "Emma, where did you find such a stunning pink tutu?ā Iāll tell you! I had to use the power of āthe most famous pink tutusā I knew to locate a fantastic shop right here in Paris. There was a hidden portal near the Eiffel Tower! It is truly amazing, if I can say so myself!
Right now, I'm completely smitten with a gorgeous white satin tutu with delicate pearls that I spotted today on a ballerina at the OpĆ©ra Garnier. It would look stunning under the lights, wouldn't you say? My mind has been filled with ideas of combining satin, tulle, velvet and sequins to make the perfect pink tutu for myself, a dream, wouldn't you say? Oh, darlings, to think this kind of creativity is still just around the corner is thrilling! My "modern pink" inspiration knows no bounds! The spirit of a "flamboyantā ballerina simply cannot be contained. I can hardly wait to show off this beautiful new ensemble at my next ballet class.
Do keep in touch, my darling ballet loves! This fashion journey will continue next #TutuTuesday, where I shall share another magical fashion escapade. Until then, I encourage each and every one of you to live, breathe, and love those amazing ballet dreams and wear a beautiful pink tutu! See you all again soon! XOXO, Emma
